10 More Must-Watch Fantasy Flicks
The Princess Bride is based on the 1973 novel sporting the same name. The story is presented as a book being read by a grandfather to his sick grandson, thus intertwining the main narrative with scenes of their interaction.
If you’ve finished watching this one and are looking for similar picks, we’ve got you covered. We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top picks for alternate viewing. As usual, let us know your thoughts about our picks in the comments below!
Stardust (2007)
Stardust is a romantic adventure fantasy, revolving around Tristan, a young man from a small town who ventures into a magical kingdom to capture a fallen star (who takes on the form of a woman, Yvaine) to prove his love for the beautiful but shallow Victoria.
Both films combine elements of romance, adventure, and fantasy in a fairytale setting. The whimsical, playful tone, memorable characters and the comedic style are all very similar, and of course play into the idea of true love and heroism.
Big Fish (2003)
Directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish is a fantasy drama film that follows the life of Edward Bloom, a man known for telling grand, exaggerated stories about his life. His estranged son, Will, tries to reconcile Edward’s fantastic tales with the actual events of his life.
Much like The Princess Bride, the blend of reality and fantasy, weaving tales of love, adventure, and heroism, makes for a really intriguing watch. Both movies present narratives within narratives and use storytelling as a central theme, not to mention the fantasy-esque sequences.
A Knight’s Tale (2001)
A Knight’s Tale follows William Thatcher, a peasant posing as a knight, who competes in jousting competitions to elevate his status. Fueled by his desire for food and glory, William’s journey is a worthwhile one and essentially plays out as a modern spin on medieval fantasy.
Both films are romantic adventures set in medieval times and feature a protagonist who must overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. They each have a combination of humor, romance, and action, along with memorable characters and quotes.
Tangled (2010)
Tangled is arguably the better film next to Frozen, which dwarfed its animated cousin. This Disney animated film reimagines the story of Rapunzel and it does so in a clever and highly entertaining way.
Within this story, Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but when she falls in love with a bandit who was passing by, Rapunzel ventures into the outside world for the first time to find him.
Both films are fairy-tale adventure s with a strong-willed princess and a charming rogue as central characters. They feature humor, memorable side characters, and themes of love and self-discovery.
The Dark Crystal (1982)
The Dark Crystal is an absolute treasure and a must-watch fantasy puppet-animation film. It follows Jen, an elf-like ‘Gelfling’ on a quest to restore balance to his alien world by returning the lost shard of a powerful but broken gem.
Similar to The Princess Bride, Dark Crystal features quests, mystical artifacts, and a wide range of fantastical creatures. Although The Dark Crystal is darker and more serious in tone, both films have had significant impacts on the fantasy genre.
Labyrinth (1986)
Directed by Jim Henson, Labyrinth follows a young girl named Sarah who is given thirteen hours to solve a labyrinth and rescue her baby brother when her wish for him to be taken away is granted by the Goblin King.
Both Labyrinth and The Princess Bride are adventure-filled films with a fairytale-esque narrative. They’re populated with unique, memorable characters and are centered around a heroic quest. They also share a whimsical, fantastical atmosphere and elements of humor.
Willow (1988)
Willow is Lucasfilm’s foray into high fantasy, telling the story of a reluctant farmer who plays a critical role in protecting a special baby from a tyrannical queen who vows to take over the world, and destroy her in order to do so.
Both movies share the hallmarks of fantasy adventures, chock full of engaging characters and epic quests. They both have elements of magic and quirky humor, while showcasing a commoner who becomes a hero.
Time Bandits (1981)
Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits is about a young boy who joins a band of time-traveling dwarves as they jump from era to era looking for treasure to steal. Along the way, they encounter various historical and fantastical figures.
Both films are fantastical adventures with humor and memorable characters, incorporating historical and mythical elements into a unique narrative. The storytelling in both films is highly imaginative, capturing a whimsical and charming tone.
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
Also directed by Gilliam, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen is about an eccentric storyteller tasked with saving a town from defeat during a war. He embarks on a series of fantastical adventures, stretching the limits of his (and our) imagination.
Like The Princess Bride, Baron Munchausen blurs the line between fantasy and reality, weaving tales that are both grandiose and comedic. There’s a wide range of eccentric characters, fantastical creatures, and daring adventures. Not only that, but both are filled with humor, romance, and hold the idea of storytelling itself at the heart of their respective plots.
The NeverEnding Story (1984)
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, The NeverEnding Story is about a young boy who discovers a magical book that tells a story of a young warrior whose task is to stop a dark force called the Nothing from engulfing a mystical world.
This story depicts a young protagonist who must navigate a fantastical world and overcome numerous obstacles, much like The Princess Bride. Both films have enduring popularity too, due to their imaginative storytelling, memorable characters, and blend of humor and adventure, making it an absolute must-watch.
There we have it, our list of best movies that are similar to The Princess Bride. What do you think about our picks? Did one of your favourites make the list? Let us know in the comments below: